Vet Questions - advice

[Asheka]

So, today/tomorrow I'm calling around to my local vet offices to see if any of them treat rats. I know there are a couple good vets in London, but am hoping maybe to find one closer to home.
I hate making phone calls, and when it comes to information; I like to have all my questions written down so I don't forget anything with nerves.

Can you guys tell me what questions to ask the vet(s) if they do say they treat rats, to ensure they are experienced, etc?

Thanks!

 

[jorats]

One thing to keep in mind, you'll probably be talking to the receptionist and she won't have the right answers to your questions. I remember a long time ago, I called my vet's office about spaying a bunny. The receptionist told me it wasn't necessary. Later, I mentioned it to my vet. She was shocked and very displeased that one of her staff actually said that.
It would be best to speak to the vet. First find one that says yes, we treat rats. Then you would need an appointment. That is when you'll know how good that vet is, during the examination.

 

[Asheka]

hmmm, alright. Never really thought of it that way. lol
Any questions to ask during the first appt would be helpful too lol I've only ever taken my cats, dog, and my chinchilla to get neutered to a vets...

 

[smilez_n_hugs]

Have you contacted lj to see if she knows of any other good vets in London?

 

[Asheka]

Have you contacted lj to see if she knows of any other good vets in London?

Not yet, but she replied in a thread about her vet and another in London.

 

[smilez_n_hugs]

Since I know from other threads you are in need of a spay I personally would make the drive to London to get the spay done and then after that you could take on the task of finding a good vet close to you.

A good quality for a vet to have is to be open to your suggestions so that even if they aren't very experienced with rats then at least they will get you what you need.

 

[lizmo1221]

I would make sure that they anesthetise properly for surgery (isofluorane gas) and have humane euthanasia procedures. I know you might hate to think about it now, but if the worst happens and you need to put a rat down in a short-ish amount of time, you would hate to have to call everywhere first to find out, or even worse, get to your vet to find out that they do it inhumanely. I asked my vet this when we met for the first time.

Also, as I mentioned in another thread of yours, I would also ask when they would spay, since 8-10 weeks is a lot better than four months when you have two ratties living alone.

 

[Asheka]

Thanks so much everyone!! I was thinking I definitely want to do the spay at lj's vet, but just in case, I'd like to find a vet closer for other stuff...guess we shall see!

 

[jorats]

Your vet who takes care of the chin would probably be able to do rats too.

 

[Cigar]

If you do end up having to come to London, LJ and I see the same vet and I can tell you that he's fantastic! I trust him 100% with my kids. His prices are just as great as his attitude and he loves to handle the ratties. I've only ever had 1 spay and it was done by him - no infections or complications, and a very small incision.

 

[Asheka]

Your vet who takes care of the chin would probably be able to do rats too.

Unfortunately that is an 8hr drive back home

If you do end up having to come to London, LJ and I see the same vet and I can tell you that he's fantastic! I trust him 100% with my kids. His prices are just as great as his attitude and he loves to handle the ratties. I've only ever had 1 spay and it was done by him - no infections or complications, and a very small incision.

I do want to see him for the spay especially, although if he is as wonderful as he sounds I will go for everything if I can't find anyone here.

 

[crumbilina]

One good question to ask when you call is not only if they treat rats but IF they currently have rat patients. I went to a vet that said they treated rats only to find out that they had no clue what they were talking about and had no rat patients.
Its so silly how difficult it is to find a good vet that you trust. I have to switch vets again since I have moved, and it has been a difficult task. So difficult that I was thinking of driving back home to take my ratties to their vet in K-town.
Good luck! Happy Vet Hunting!